Artist Statement : The Inherent Icon

"The Inherent Icon" grapples with the timeless human condition, elusively invoking religious imagery, symbolism and portraiture with modern abstraction and surrealism. By interpreting ancient symbols through a progressive lens, this series captures our eternal fears, desires, struggles, triumphs, and inherent spirituality. Theses iconographic characters and archetypes named themselves through the creative process.

"The Philosopher", the first and the impetus of the series, bridges past and present through abstract forms and muted tones, while the use of red continues to signify an enduring life force.  Layers, textures and fragmented features, combined with a tapestry of components, hint at a shared, evolving human experience: a vortex of cognition.

By integrating remnants of theological history with a contemporary aesthetic, I seek to conjure an enchantment of introspection and a deeper understanding of our collective spiritual journey.

- Richard Wlodarczak - July 24, 2024